MANCHESTER CITY are contemplating Michael Laudrup as a potential successor to embattled Roberto Mancini as their new manager.

Mancini's future as City manager was under threat last week, but he managed to avert a crisis as his side thrashed Leeds United 4-0 yesterday.

The Italian has seen his hopes of retaining the Premier League title evaporate after a 3-1 defeat away at Southampton means his side trail bitter rivals United by 12 points with just 12 games remaining.

And now Swansea manager Michael Laudrup has been touted as a possible replacement to take over the reins at the Etihad in the summer.

Goal.com suggests Laudrup has a chance of being installed as the Citizens boss, as he has a close relationship with the club's director of football Txiki Begiristain.

And Laudrup's chances are boosted by the fact City lost out on primary target, Pep Guardiola, who will officially become Bayern Munich's new manager in the summer.

Roberto Mancini has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks

Swansea manager Michael Laudrup has been touted as a possible replacement to take over

Laudrup has enjoyed a fine season as Swansea manager, who sit in eighth place in the Barclays Premier League and have a Capital One Cup Final to look forward to at the weekend.

Moreover, he has got the best out of his summer signings, most notably Pablo Hernandez and Michu, who has been a goal machine at the Liberty Stadium.

Real Madrid were also reportedly interested in Laudrup, with rumours surfacing about where Jose Mourinho's next job may lie.

Laudrup would be a fans favourite, following his successful playing career with Los Blancos.